Flow 340 CFS

Water Temp:  67 Degrees

This time of year brings out the best weather, fishing and it seems guests as well.  Bruce and Jeff are from Texas and are avid sportsmen.  They filled their Elk tags early, ( bow season), and decided that a fly fishing trip would be right up their alley!  They Googled fly fishing Pueblo and we popped up as #1.  We have been for quite a while.  They contacted Ben and I booked the trip for Friday the 26^th.  We proceeded to the Flag Hole and both hooked up on large fish that popped off, they kept hooking fish but none in the net.  I switched patterns, BH PHT and Mafia Bugger and two fish in the net in five minutes.  Bruce and small brown and Jeff had the fish of the day a fat 17 inch bow on the bugger.  After a superb lunch at the Coyote Grill, we finished the day at TJ’s tree.  Only one in the afternoon.  The water was off color so large meat and potatoes were working.  We have trips booking for October now so get in early, we are going to be busy as the weather and water cools. 

Tight Lines

Lou

September 21, 2014

Flow: 178

Water Temp: 64-71

150 paces, that’s my new distance to the river from my front door (just up the hill from the tailwater). Drive time; 12 seconds. Such proximity keeps the gear not so far in the rear. Break a rod, split your waders after Sunday brunch at the Coyote Grille? Fuhgettaboutit! We have plan B paces away. During the coldest days a nice mud room to suit up will be a blessing.

My first few nights here have been terrific. The pooch loved her new yard, the view and sounds at night are beautiful. I appreciate all the honks and waves as I relaxed on the porch. This is going to be fun.

With moving we had limited fishing time to discover the dinks are back. Through the high murky water of the summer most our trout were in the 17”-20” class of trout maintaining their mass. The 12”-15” trout just kept getting in the way and the one 20” I brought in was flubbed at the net. Buggers, san juans, telico nymphs and rs2’s landed trout but the bigger boys are still seeking protein. Book your adventure now. This is going to be our best season ever.

Tight lines,

Ben

September 13, 2014

Flow: 562

Water Temp: 63-72

We here at Steel City Anglers want to thank the Nature and raptor Center of Pueblo for the opportunity to put up our tent and get some great folks, young and old, to cast a fly rod and learn the dichotomy between a conventional pole and the weapons of bass (and trout) destruction we are all so fond of.

We had the task today to put a fly rod in the hands of a lot of kids that listened to instruction, put in the effort and made some very nice casts.

The southern Colorado Greenback chapter Of Trout Unlimited was there bringing in new members and the Drift Fly Shop showed off some bugs.

After a great event we finally hit the river to a prolific caddis hatch and hungry trout. I hope the irrigators that keep calling for water slow up, the river clears up a little more and our healthy trout get a real chance to feed. Olive hares ears and tekico nymphs did the trick. Any honey hole can withstand 80 casts without a break but it is still best to keep moving.

Tight lines,

Ben

September 7, 2014

Flow: 564

Water Temp: 65-72

Douglas DXF5904 rod review; when I heard that Jim Murphy (Redington, Hardy) had started up a new rod company I thought we had better take a good look. I ordered a DXF 9’ 5# and DHF 12’ 7# but today’s report is on the five weights. The rod shipped the same day I ordered with a follow up from customer service and the process was easy. Unpacking the box revealed a triangular cordura rod tube, sock, warranty card and rod. My first impression sliding the rod out of the sock was “nice cork!” Piecing it together its light three ounce weight was readily apparent. What I didn’t expect was the rods performance on the river. Fast action met feel as I tossed everything from a single dry to a three fly nymph rig with three bb to go deep without a single hitch anywhere in the backbone. Personal preference is always the value that epitomizes your favorite fly rod but to me the DXF is a precision tool.

Casting perfectly and providing just enough backbone to turn trout and get them to the net fast without sacrificing feel works for me. And at $325.00 you can get two for what those other rods cost. Add a $35.00 lifetime warranty that includes return shipping and you’ve got a winner.

We don’t have the front door of a brick and mortar shop (thank god) so if you’re in Pueblo County and want to try one out give us a call, we’ll come to you.

Thank you Douglas Outdoors for giving the unconventional outfitters the opportunity to be your Pueblo County retailers.

Tight Lines,

Ben